Health - Quick Study
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
THE QUESTION Though no one knows for sure what causes the nerve cell damage that leads to Parkinson's disease, one theory ties it to inflammation in the nervous system. Might anti-inflammatory drugs, then, help prevent the disorder?
THIS STUDY analyzed data on 579 people; Parkinson's had been diagnosed in about half of them in the previous three years. Data included their use of aspirin and non-aspirin painkillers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen).
People who took non-aspirin NSAIDs regularly (two or more pills a week for at least a month) were about half as likely to have Parkinson's as those who took them less often or not at all, especially if the NSAIDs were taken for two years or longer.
Women who took aspirin regularly for more than two years reduced their risk by about 40 percent; for men, however, aspirin showed no benefit related to Parkinson's.
WHO MAY BE AFFECTED? People at risk for Parkinson's disease, for which there is no cure. Although the cause is unknown, people who have relatives with the disease are more likely to develop it, as are people middle-aged or older and those with ongoing exposure to herbicides or pesticides. More men than women have the movement disorder.
CAVEATS The study did not determine whether different aspirin or non-aspirin products, or different dosages, produced different results. The authors theorized that women may have taken higher doses of aspirin than men, creating the difference in its effect between the sexes.
Data on use of painkillers were based on the participants' recall. Because NSAIDs can cause bleeding and gastrointestinal problems, people should speak with a doctor before taking them regularly.
FIND THIS STUDY Nov. 6 issue of Neurology.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Parkinson's disease at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders and http://www.parkinson.org.
By Linda Searing
The research described in Quick Study comes from credible, peer-reviewed journals. Nonetheless, conclusive evidence about a treatment's effectiveness is rarely found in a single study. Anyone considering changing or beginning treatment of any kind should consult a physician
© Copyright 2007 The Washington Post Company
